Jane's Addiction vocalist Perry Farrell gives Adam Reader some heartfelt insight into Jane’s Addiction's hard rock manifesto "Mountain Song", which was the second single from their revolutionary album Nothing's Shocking. Mountain song was first recorded in 1986 and appeared on the soundtrack to the film Dudes starring Jon Cryer. The version on Nothing's Shocking was re-recorded in 1988.
"'Mountain Song' was actually about... I hate to say it but... drugs. Climbing this mountain and getting as high as you can, and then coming down that mountain," reveals Farrell. "What it feels to descend from the mountain top... not easy at all. The ascension is tough but exhilarating. Getting down is... it's a real bummer. Drugs is not for everybody obviously. For me, I wanted to experience the heights, and the lows come along with it."
"There's a part - 'Cash in now honey, cash in Miss Smith.' Miss Smith is my Mother; our last name was Smith. Cashing in when she cashed in her life. So... she decided that, to her... at that time, she was desperate. Life wasn't worth it for her, that was her opinion. Some people think, never take your life, and some people find that their life isn't worth living. She was in love with my Dad, and my Dad was not faithful to her, and it broke her heart. She was very desperate and she did something that I know she regrets."
I said I'd walk you home after our third round
Of pouring whiskey down the barrel of our guts
And I grabbed hold of your hand.
We're up and we're out and we're yelling through the streets
And I'm out of my fucking mind
And I know you're next to me but I must confess what's in my head.
Keep pumping now, legs to beat the ground, and our hearts to beat the band.
The sky's on fire again.
Run down this alleyway.
Lightning bolts again and we become fireflies just flashing at the air.
Rattle garbage cans.
Prepare to be ravaged by our lust burning mad, the fire that we've become.
And I know you're under me but I must confess what's in my head:
To me you are the light from a light bulb that breaks sometimes
And the tender warmth inside is released into my life
And it smothers me in flames that lick and scorch my face.
As the smoke reaches the sky know I'm burning tonight.
Know I'm burning tonight.
Know I'm burning tonight.
Know I'm burning tonight.
Know I'll burn for you tonight.
Of pouring whiskey down the barrel of our guts
And I grabbed hold of your hand.
We're up and we're out and we're yelling through the streets
And I'm out of my fucking mind
And I know you're next to me but I must confess what's in my head.
Keep pumping now, legs to beat the ground, and our hearts to beat the band.
The sky's on fire again.
Run down this alleyway.
Lightning bolts again and we become fireflies just flashing at the air.
Rattle garbage cans.
Prepare to be ravaged by our lust burning mad, the fire that we've become.
And I know you're under me but I must confess what's in my head:
To me you are the light from a light bulb that breaks sometimes
And the tender warmth inside is released into my life
And it smothers me in flames that lick and scorch my face.
As the smoke reaches the sky know I'm burning tonight.
Know I'm burning tonight.
Know I'm burning tonight.
Know I'm burning tonight.
Know I'll burn for you tonight.
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this isnt about an event that really happened imo ive known chris to write about feelings not actual things being very metaphorical. to me this song is about being a little bit drunk but not too drunk 3 rounds of whisky wouldnt make you too too drunk but just enough to get that feeling of being tipsy. then i think the to lovers are trying to find a spot to kiss and stuff and he confesses that she is really great and wonderful this is just how i feel about my cutie pie elaina it just has beautful lyrics in the end part.